A scene from a previous show presented by the Bolshoi Ballet. Photo from the ballet troupe

Founded in Moscow, Russia in 1776, the Bolshoi Ballet is one of the world’s oldest classical ballet companies and a symbol of classical ballet excellence. This May, audience members in Pingshan District will have a rare opportunity to enjoy a gala performance presented by the internationally renowned ensemble. 

A big name on the global ballet stage, the Bolshoi Ballet is known for its exceptional technique, expressive artistry, and stunning stage aesthetics. Its repertoire features classical ballet classics such as “Giselle,” “Don Quixote,” and “The Nutcracker.” 

The company is currently led by artistic director Makhar Vaziev, who previously headed the Kirov Ballet of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg and La Scala Ballet in Milan before taking the helm in 2016. 

The gala performance, a ballet extravaganza which brings together the company’s 10 principal dancers and 10 soloists and with live accompaniment by the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, will feature a diverse program that covers many of the company’s most outstanding productions over the past two centuries, including excerpts from “Swan Lake” and “Romeo and Juliet,” offering audience members a glimpse into the company’s glorious artistic history. 

As a key event of the 2024-25 China-Russia Years of Culture, the gala performance will also mark the opening of this year’s China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair Art Season. 

Time: 8 p.m., May 14-15

Booking: WeChat account “PingShanTheatre”

Venue: Pingshan Theater, Pingshan District (坪山大剧院)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit C

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A